Jatoba LeafAmber and Sterling Silver Choker from Mexico

About

By Lupita Betancourt, this elegant necklace is inspired by the jatoba or guapinol tree of Chiapas. Its resin can become natural amber over millions of years. The golden stone centers a sterling leaf that seems to radiate positive energy as it graces a silver choker. "Jatoba leaves are strong and they reflect the light of the sun," the designer explains. "In this necklace, silver represents strength while amber symbolizes sunlight."

Natural amber is a fossilized resin, and no two pieces are alike in shape and color. Bits of moss and plant life may be seen within droplets of true amber.

ABOUT THIS ARTIST

"The loveliest part of my designs is the energy transmitted by the amber from so many sunsets – sunsets that took place long before the gem came into my hands."

"I've always liked jewelry. When I was 20, my sisters and I began selling gold, and then silver. But I always wanted to create designs of my own, so I began by putting original pieces together. They sold faster than the others. I've always found quartz and gemstones simply enchanting. And this is when I had the idea of creating an entire line of jewelry with a concept of elegance and harmony.

"At the time, I was in danger of losing my eyesight. I had glaucoma in one eye and I was ordered to rest. I realized just how much my sight means to me and, if I lost it, I wouldn't have the opportunity to design.

I began Reiki therapy during the entire month I was in repose. Thank God, through the therapy and medications, my eye was saved – it was a real miracle that there was no hemorrhage in my retina.

Afterward, the doctor gave me permission to travel to San Miguel de Allende to take a jewelry course. Thanks to this experience, my entire panorama changed. I realized I wanted to spend the rest of my life designing. I continued to string jewelry while I searched for a way to set up a small workshop despite several people who tried to discourage me. I never gave up and I continue to struggle each day, always looking toward the future.

"In my tireless search, God placed wonderful people in my path so I could achieve my goals. Today, I work with a group of young people and our task begins with the extraction of amber from its natural environment.

"It never ceases to amaze me how when we begin to clean and polish the gems by hand, the amber itself permits us to discover its color and shape! It's as though the amber speaks to me through shape and tone to show me the design I should give it… it's all so special! From shaping the silver – which is done with great enthusiasm and love – to packaging a finished piece" I always try to join the elements that nature gives us to achieve a result of elegance and harmony.

"All my designs are unique because they are conceived to bring elegance and harmony to each person who wears them. They are also unique in the sense that each piece of amber is a landscape that nature created for us thousands of years ago. Just close your eyes and imagine how many sunsets, how many rainstorms and all the lovely things that happen to a drop of resin to become a unique piece of amber.

"I teach my techniques to the people who work with me, but my best inspiration comes when I've spent time close to nature. Or when I'm doing yoga, design ideas come to mind. This is the best technique.

"Also, the loveliest part of my designs is the energy transmitted by the amber from so many sunsets – sunsets that took place long before the gem came into my hands – and this gift of energy fills us with love. That's why it's so complicated for pieces to be the same. In nature, there's not a single flower that is identical to another, or a plant that grows exactly like another no matter how we cut or prune it – the colors are never identical.

"It's the same way with amber. Each piece is unique and cannot be repeated. Each encapsulates a moment of life and is not the same, even though we give another piece of amber a similar shape.

"The most difficult part is finding the perfect piece of amber so that a design looks the same each time. It's quite complicated to create a series and discover that the bits of moss enclosed in the amber are similar. Even when they come from the same chunk of amber, the gems aren't the same.

"My dreams are to create a workshop where we can generate more well-paid jobs. I'd love to create a line of traditional jewelry that sets the styles. I'd hope many people recognize that we create accessories but, at the same time, we are giving them a beautiful amulet of elegance and harmony.

"When I was a teenager, I read a book called El vendedor más grande del mundo, where I learned a phrase that I've never forgotten: 'Failure will never take me by surprise if my determination is strong enough.'"

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This item is available for backorder and will ship within 2 to 8 weeks. Artists love to get backorders. Placing a backorder ensures that the artisan will do their best to create and deliver your item to our local office for shipment.

Although we cannot guarantee availability, we do expect to be able to fill the order within the timeframe indicated. But sometimes life happens - special materials may not be immediately available to the artist, or there might be some other circumstance beyond our control that could delay the shipment.

If for any reason we are unable to ship the item within the timeframe indicated, we will notify you.

This item has a special shipping flat fee which means that due to bulk, duties, or other special requirements, the item will be shipped to you via one of our special one-rate services. Shipping is only available to the United States (lower 48 States only).

WOMEN

S

M

L

XL

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

BUST

33.5

34.5

35.5

36.5

38

39.5

41

43

WAIST

25.5

26.5

27.5

28.5

30

31.5

33

35

HIPS

36

37

38

39

40.5

42

43.5

45.5

MEN

S

M

L

XL

CHEST

34 - 36

38 - 40

42 - 44

46 - 48

WAIST

28 - 30

32 - 34

36 - 38

40 - 42

NECK

14 - 14.5

15 - 15.5

16 - 16.5

17 - 17.5

SLEEVE

32

33

34

35

FINDING YOUR SIZE

Take your measurements with the tape measure over your under garments. If your measurements fall between sizes you may prefer the next larger size. Inseam, skirt and dress lengths vary by style and will be listed in the item description. Our sweaters are knit in standard American sizes, however actual measurements vary by style.

BUST / CHEST

Measure around the fullest part of chest under the arms and over the shoulder blades keeping the tape measure level.

WAIST

Measure around the smallest part of the waist keeping the tape measure comfortably loose. Most garments use the low waist measurement noted below.

LOW WAIST

Measure around the body approximately 1.5" below the natural waist (above). This is the area where most pants and skirts actually fit.

HIPS

Standing with your heels together, measure around the fullest part of the body approx 7"-8" below the waist.

NECK

Measure around the base of the neck keeping the tape measure comfortably loose.

SLEEVE

Bend elbow slightly and starting at the center back of the neck, measure across the shoulder, to the elbow and down to the wrist.

INSEAM

Our standard inseam length for women is 32" and 34" for men; however inseam measurements will vary slightly by style.

We refer to these items as "discounted wholesale". Such items carry a deeper wholesale discount than other items, and have greater potential to provide your business with healthier resale margins.

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